Sports
HiFL 2021: How UNIMAID Conquered Nigerian Universities and Shut Down Maiduguri Airport
The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) soccer team, the UNIMAID Desert Warriors have emerged champions of the 2021 Nigerian Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL) after defeating debutant AAUA Luminaries from the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, by 1-0 at a thrilling final played at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, Lagos.
The game started at a fast pace with the AAUA Luminaries pushing hard to score the first goal. However, the defence of the Desert Warriors led by the Desert Warriors defence marshals- Abdulrahaman Musa and Ochei David Michael thwarted every move by the attacking front line of the Luminaries led by Ologbon Emmanuel and Rotimi Ayomide to end the first half goalless. On resumption of the second half, the Desert Warriors took the initiative and succeeded in the 62nd minute of the game when the team captain and StanbicIBTC Man-of-the-Match, Ochei Elijah Francis headed in a cross from the right to beat Isaac Phillip in goal for the Luminaries.
The AAUA Luminaries turned on the heat on the Desert Warriors but it was too little too late as the Borno Boys held their nerves till the end of the game.
Victory for the Desert Warriors was a masterstroke pulled off by the University authority. Having identified the need for an experienced coach to thinker the team, the school management recruited a former Elkanemi Warriors FC star, Dauda ‘Ziko’ Daniel as the coach. Ziko revamped the team and molded them into a solid attacking team.
The Dessert Warriors thrashed the Bayero University Kano (BUK) home and away in the round of 32 before dispatching the UAM Tillers 3-1 on aggregate in the quarters. FUTMINNA fell 3-3 on aggregate in the semi-final before beating the AAUA Luminaries 1-0 in the final match.
The victorious UNIMAID Desert Warriors on arrival in Maiduguri with the trophy
In his reaction, the Coach of the UNIMAID Desert Warriors, Dauda ‘Ziko’ Daniel, explained the strategy behind their victory.
“We had a very good preparation from the beginning of this competition and we have been supported financially and morally by the school authority. This is the result of their support. At some point, my players, most of whom are visiting Lagos for the first time were jittery.
However, I pointed at the trophy and told them that that is the sign of glory for them if only they could hold their nerves and win the match. It was difficult but we thank God”, he concluded.
Victory for the Maiduguri team brought temporary succor for a city under siege. On arrival in Maiduguri with the trophy, the champions were received by a cheering mammoth crowd at the Maiduguri International Airport before proceeding through the city with the trophy.
The school authority also declared Monday a work-free day to celebrate the gallant warriors from the desert city.
Chatting with journalists after the game, the Chief Operating Officer, PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Goodness Onyejiaku was full of gratitude: “We appreciate StanbicIBTC, Nivea Men, Bold and Minimie, and the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) for their support. We have all enjoyed this season and look forward to a more interesting HiFL in 2022”.
The UNIMAID Vice Chancellor (m) on hand to receive the victorious Desert Warriors on arrival at the Maiduguri Int. Airport. Jubilant crowd celebrating the team’s victory on a victory parade round the city.
Sports
AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.
Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.
The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.
As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.
The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.
The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.
With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.
Africa is coming to Abuja.
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